What is Arnica Montana?

Arnica montana is a plant from the daisy family with significant medical uses. Arnica plants are quite small – usually no taller than 1 to 2 feet. The flower top of the plant is very delicate, bright yellow in color, and emits a strong fragrance. Arnica has many common names, including mountain daisy, leopard’s bane, wound herb, fall herb, well­bestow, and wolf’s bane. Around the 16th century, mountain climbers first discovered its healing properties as they observed the way it helped repair their injuries from accidental falls. Over the next few centuries, Arnica became well known for its ability to heal bruises, sprains, and muscle aches. Today, homeopaths, herbalists, and physicians from more than 80 countries around the world use Arnica medicinally.1

Where Does Arnica Come From?

The Arnica flower is believed to have originated in Europe, specifically in high-elevation mountainous areas, where it can take in large amounts of sunlight.2 This terrain type is essential to the plant’s growth. Arnica research suggests that the plant cannot flourish in tainted or overly cultivated soil, making it difficult to harvest outside of its natural habitat.3

What is Arnica Used For?

Arnica has been reputed as medicine since the 1500s.4 The original documented uses of Arnica varied, but the plant was primarily utilized in herbal form to help bruising and provide natural pain relief. Since the early days, the known benefits of Arnica have grown. This is (in large part) credited to the development and large-scale successes of Arnica in the form of homeopathic medicine.

The Development of Homeopathic Arnica

Homeopathy became a method of healthcare in the 19th century due to records and research cultivated by Samuel Hahnemann. As such, provings (evidence supporting medicinal uses) for Arnica montana were included in Hahnemann’s publications. From this original research, the homeopathic uses of Arnica began to spread and become included in various materia medicas (publications that document medicinal properties). Today, these resources are used to formulate Arnica medicines and support its mainstream use as a homeopathic.

How to Take Arnica

Arnica is taken in two common ways: topically, which is a delivery method for both herbal and homeopathic Arnica; and orally, which is safe and acceptable only in homeopathic form. As a result, a variety of Arnica products are being produced around the globe. Some of the most popular products are Arnica gels, creams, and ointments – most of which are used to combat bumps and bruises, inflammation, and the like. Homeopathic pills, tablets, and liquids, can be taken orally, and often address more chronic symptoms like internal pain and arthritis.